Reflections from the Men’s Mission to Cuba: Jewish Life, History, and Connection

Did you know Cuba’s Jewish community has been part of the island’s story for more than a century, preserving its traditions through generations?

In early November 2025, Jewish Federation of San Diego led a Men’s Mission to Cuba to better understand that history and to see what Jewish life looks like there today. What they encountered was a Jewish community shaped by deep roots, economic hardship, and a strong sense of identity.

Cuba’s Jewish population once numbered in the tens of thousands, built by immigrants who arrived in the early and mid-twentieth century. While the community is much smaller today, its presence remains visible in synagogues, cemeteries, and community centers that continue to anchor Jewish life on the island.

For participant Larry Katz, that history came into focus during a visit to the Jewish cemetery. “The cemetery had a big impact,” he shared. “It held the history of Jews in Cuba.”

The group also gathered with the local Jewish community for Shabbat services and dinner, creating space to connect through shared tradition, prayer, and conversation. Experiencing Shabbat together offered a meaningful reminder of the strength of Jewish tradition and community.

Seeing Jewish life up close also offered a deeper understanding of the realities facing people across the island, including limited access to essential care amid ongoing economic instability. In response to these shortages, the group brought much-needed medical supplies and medicine to support the local community. David Bark, former Board Chair of Federation, reflected on the weight of what they saw: “The state of the economy simply devastates the people, and there’s an inability to do anything about it.”

Despite these challenges, Jewish life in Cuba continues openly and with pride. Participant Michael Bloom reflected on “the pride of the Jewish people that we met, who continue to practice Judaism openly and without fear of antisemitism.”

Personal conversations added another layer of perspective. Participant David Kirschen recalled an evening spent with young members of the Jewish community on the final night of the mission. “We got to listen to their stories and their plans for leaving Cuba because they saw no future in their chosen field of work,” he shared. The conversation highlighted both the young Jewish Cubans’ strong sense of Jewish identity and the limited options available to them.

Alongside time spent within the Jewish community, participants also experienced daily life in Cuba more broadly. They drove classic cars along the Malecón, visited Ernest Hemingway’s home, toured a cigar factory, and spent time in conversation with local artists who shared their work and perspectives on life in Cuba today.

“There are very talented people that are trying to show the world, through their art, the Cuban culture,” Kirschen reflected.

The shared nature of the mission also deepened connections within the group itself. “The bonding of nineteen men in Cuba strengthened my connection to the San Diego community,” Katz shared.

The Cuba Men’s Mission offered more than a chance to learn about Jewish history and life on the island. It created space for shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and connections that extended beyond borders. Participants returned with a deeper understanding of Jewish peoplehood, and a stronger connection to one another and to the global Jewish community.